Chicken Soup Without Vegetables (Easy Recipe)

Chicken soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and soothes the tastebuds.

It’s a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for those chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.

While many chicken soup recipes include a variety of vegetables, this recipe is for those who prefer their chicken soup without vegetables.

By focusing solely on the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, this chicken soup recipe without vegetables allows you to fully enjoy the essence of this timeless dish.

It’s simple, easy to make, and will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.

Ingredients

To make this chicken soup recipe without vegetables, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, skinned and cut into pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Chicken Soup Without Vegetables

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a delicious chicken soup without vegetables:

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by removing the skin from the chicken pieces. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces, such as legs, thighs, and breasts. Set aside.

2. Sauté the garlic and onion: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until they become fragrant and lightly golden.

3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot with the garlic and onion. Cook the chicken until it is lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

4. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.

5. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 2 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

6. Skim off any foam: As the soup simmers, you may notice foam or impurities rise to the top. Use a spoon or ladle to skim off any foam that forms. This step helps to keep the soup clear and free of any unwanted particles.

7. Remove the chicken and shred it: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the pot. Use forks or your fingers to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard any bones or cartilage.

8. Return shredded chicken to the soup: Place the shredded chicken back into the pot with the soup. Stir well to combine and ensure that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

9. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.

10. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chicken soup into bowls and serve piping hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Soup

Here are a few tips to help you make the best chicken soup without vegetables:

1. Use good quality chicken broth: Chicken broth is the base of the soup, so using a flavorful and high-quality broth will greatly enhance the overall taste of the soup. If you have homemade chicken broth, even better!
2. Season in layers: Adding the seasonings, such as bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, in layers throughout the cooking process will help to develop a more robust and complex flavor profile.
3. Remove the chicken skin: Removing the skin from the chicken pieces before cooking helps to reduce the fat content of the soup and allows the flavors of the chicken to shine.
4. Simmer slowly: Letting the soup simmer slowly over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy. This slow cooking process ensures a rich and flavorful soup.
5. Shred the chicken: Shredding the cooked chicken and returning it to the soup adds texture and makes each bite more enjoyable. It also allows the flavors of the chicken to be evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Variations

While this recipe focuses on a simple chicken soup without vegetables, you can certainly customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Add vegetables: If you prefer a chicken soup with vegetables, feel free to add your favorites. Carrots, celery, and potatoes are popular choices and will add extra flavor and texture to the soup.
• Make it creamy: If you enjoy creamy soups, you can add some heavy cream or milk to the soup to give it a creamy consistency. Just make sure to heat it gently and avoid boiling after adding the dairy.
• Add noodles or rice: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked noodles or rice to the soup. Simply cook them separately according to the package instructions, and add them to the soup before serving.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapenos to the soup to give it a spicy kick.

Experiment with different variations to create your perfect chicken soup recipe.

What to Serve with Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with some tasty sides to make it a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Serve fresh, crusty bread or warm dinner rolls on the side for dipping into the comforting soup.
• Salad: A simple green salad or a side of coleslaw adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
• Crackers or croutons: Enjoy your soup with some crunchy crackers or homemade croutons for added texture.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of chicken soup. The melted cheese and crispy bread make for a satisfying combination.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots, complement the flavors of the chicken soup and add a touch of sweetness.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, simply heat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the soup thickens, you can add a little extra chicken broth to adjust the consistency.

Alternatively, you can freeze the chicken soup for longer storage. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container or individual portions, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.